Wednesday, January 13, 2016

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick & Lipglass: Review and Swatches

I always get so excited when MAC comes out with a new Viva Glam collection and for Spring 2016, the brand is partnering up with the fabulous diva singer Ariana Grande for a Lipstick and Lipglass duo. With every cent of the sales going towards the MAC Viva Glam AIDS Fund, the Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick ($20 CAD) and Lipglass ($18 CAD) are available for a limited time. To see some swatches of both, click.......

MAC Viva Glam x Ariana Grande

Packaging:
The MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande collaboration comes in the classic Viva Glam lipstick and Lipglass packaging. Both products are embossed with Ariana's autograph and the lip gloss has a standard doe-foot applicator.

MAC Viva Glam x Ariana Grande

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipglass

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipglass

Formulation:
The Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick is described as a "deep dark plum" matte. The color looks almost dark chocolate in the tube but when swatched, it is more of a deep wine red; it's quite a vampy shade but it's still fairly wearable. Unfortunately, the formulation is not great. The lipstick is pigmented and rich but the finish it's super uneven. Whenever I try to go in with a new layer (or even just purse my lips together), the color slips and slides around on the lips, creating unflattering patches. Although it's described as a matte lipstick, the finish has a noticeable sheen.
Unlike most Viva Glam Collections, the Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipglass from this duo is actually a very different color from the lipstick. This is a mostly transparent gloss packed with light champagne pink shimmers. The finish is very shiny and the formulation, although slightly tacky, is not at all gritty.

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick (left) & Lipglass (right)

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick & Lipglass

Availability:
The MAC Viva Glam x Ariana Grande Collection is available in stores and online starting January 21st.